US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged people seeking political change in Cuba to work with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), as President Donald Trump signalled that Washington could turn its attention to the Caribbean nation after the war with Iran.
Trump made the remarks during a rally in Fort Myers, Florida, on Friday, suggesting that his administration could take action against Cuba once its focus on Iran had ended.
“We’ll take care of Cuba on our way back from Iran … then we’re going to send Marco Rubio in to finish up the deal,” Trump told supporters.
Rubio, who has played a leading role in shaping the Trump administration’s Cuba policy, issued a separate message on Friday calling on Cubans dissatisfied with their government to seize what he described as an opportunity for change.
“To those who seek to create positive change in Cuba – now is the time,” Rubio wrote on X.
He encouraged those seeking change to work with American intelligence officials, urging them to “seize this opportunity to create the change you desire through a discrete partnership with the CIA.”
Rubio did not provide further details about what such a partnership would involve.
The comments come as the Trump administration continues to apply pressure on Cuba’s communist government, which Washington has long opposed.
Earlier this year, a US-imposed oil blockade placed additional pressure on the Cuban economy, worsening fuel shortages and electricity blackouts in a country already struggling with deteriorating infrastructure.
The United States has maintained an economic embargo against Cuba for more than six decades, and tensions have increased under Trump’s renewed campaign to pressure governments considered hostile to Washington.
The administration stepped up its pressure on Havana following a US military operation in January that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a deadly raid. Venezuela has historically been an important source of support for Cuba.
Cuba, however, has indicated that it remains open to diplomatic engagement. The country’s foreign minister told the United Nations General Assembly last month that Havana would always be willing to engage in dialogue with Washington.
The US approach has also attracted international criticism. United Nations human rights experts have condemned the oil blockade as a violation of international law, while rights advocates have argued that the administration’s threats reflect an imperialist approach towards Cuba.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Trump said last month that he expected the United States and Cuba to reach an agreement and did not believe military action would be necessary.
His latest comments, alongside Rubio’s call for cooperation with the CIA, have renewed questions about Washington’s intentions towards Havana and whether the administration will pursue diplomatic negotiations or increase pressure on the Cuban government.
